Wednesday, February 6, 2013

February Overview


Greetings Families, Partners, and LTI Community

It’s February, and the earliest buds are now beginning to appear on the trees. Winter break is coming, and as always, your FIRST 5 Family Resource centers are busy co-creating a space for your children and you to grow in community.

Here is news from across the region:

This month, we welcome back Sunnyvale Community Worker, Hadas Keppel, from maternity leave. 


Stay tuned for additional offerings coming soon in Sunnyvale. Remember – in between blog entries, you can find our Google calendars on the right (scroll down). There is one for each community, and they are updated constantly.



Volunteerism on the Rise Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who help us provide so much for our communities. We have short- and long-term opportunities to pitch in, including helping with classes, administrative support, distributing information, and more. Some of our opportunities require a commitment, and others do not – there is an opportunity to fit your schedule and availability. Please see the Volunteer Corner link for more information.




 From L to R: Yoko, Thao, Ana Valle (staff), Guadalupe, Irais





Raising Emotionally Healthy Children FREE Webinar – If you received the Santa Clara County FIRST 5 Kit for New Parents, you may have this book on your shelf. It is a wonderful book, and now the Newmarks are offering a FREE Webinar on February 7 to talk about how you can support your child’s emotional needs. https://emotionallyhealthychildren.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/free-webinar-with-parenting-experts-february-7th-1pm-est/

Great Article on the Importance of the Arts – Think art is just about recreation? Read this great article about the many ways kids benefit. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/01/22/top-10-skills-children-learn-from-the-arts/

Art and Your Child - When you come to our Play and Learn classes, the art projects help kids learn! Our art projects are designed to help children develop fine motor and other critical skills to prepare them for school. Even if they do not complete the project, playing with the materials and experimenting are part of an important developmental phase.


Like us on Facebook! Did you know we have a Facebook page? We post interesting tips, videos, information on local events, and more. Please “like” us and help our online community grow. Find us by typing “Mercy Street Family Resource Center” in the search bar or click HERE

Schedule Changes:
We will be closed on Monday, February 18 for President’s Day.

Feedback: Do you have comments that you would like to send the staff?   Please send us a note to:mercystreetfrc@gmail.com

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Coming Soon
How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Chidren Book Group (Spanish) continues this month on February 4 from 10:30am-12pm. Childcare available with registration. Want one in English? Contact the office to start one. Next month’s group will be on March 4th (first Monday of every month).

Cafecito Mom’s Group (for Spanish speakers) is on Friday, February 1 at Mercy Street from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Childcare available (please register). Want one in your own language? Volunteer and start one! Mark your calendar for March 1, for next month’s group.

Family Day is Saturday, February 16th – 11:30am-1:00pm at Mercy Street. Please register at mercystreetfrc@gmail.com

5 Keys to Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater – a parenting class on eating challenges with young children. Learn how to avoid power struggles around food and discover children’s natural self-regulation is a great help in preventing future obesity. Free class led by nutritionist Luisa Linares from Choices for Children. Monday March 18 from 12:30pm-2:30pm. Childcare provided and snacks will be available for adults and children. Registration Required.

CHAC is offering Parenting classes (Spanish) in Mountain View and Sunnyvale. Childcare is NOT available. Please contact Carlos Jalpa at 650-965-2020 x12 for more information.
Mountain View:
o   Parents with children up to age 11. Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm (ongoing)
     o   Single Parents: Thursdays from 6-8pm, starting January 17 (ongoing)
     o Men’s Group:  Tuesdays from 8- 9:30pm (ongoing)
Sunnyvale:
o   Parents with children up to age 11: Tuesdays 8:15-9:45am (ongoing)